Wallaby selection will influence decision on future, says Folau

Wallaby-in-waiting Israel Folau understands why rugby fans worry he might be “using the game” if he goes back to league at the end of the year but maintained being selected in the squad to take on the British and Irish Lions was a huge honour.

Folau said the prospect of becoming a dual code international in four weeks' time would “definitely” influence his decision about which sport he will play next year but that he was delighted to have been given the opportunity by Wallabies coach Robbie Deans and his selectors.

“I think it's a good thing they're selecting players on form and not on what they think they're going to do in future,” he said.

“I do understand from the point of view as fans that being part of the game long term and not just, maybe using the game, which is important to know. For me everyone has their opinions but once I hopefully get things settled it will be okay.”

Folau said he was on his way to church on Sunday morning when Deans phoned to let him know he had made the first crop of 25 Wallabies.

He credited Waratahs coach Michael Cheika with helping his game improve to the extent that, seven months after taking part in his first rugby training session, he was now on the cusp of his Test debut.

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Deans listed the former Kangaroo and Queensland State of Origin representative as a fullback and wing option and Folau said he was happy to fit in wherever he was needed.

The Waratahs are quietly confident they will retain the 24-year-old's services in 2013 but ARU boss Bill Pulver was playing down optimism last week.

With NRL clubs circling, Folau said he hoped to have a deal sorted soon but was focused on performing for the Waratahs and, soon, the Wallabies.

“I totally understand how important representing the Wallabies is and how representing the jersey is but the selectors and Robbie [Deans] picked me and that's a huge thing for me,” he said.

“Even though I signed for one year I think they've shown their faith in picking me and hopefully I've just got to repay it by playing good rugby.”

Meanwhile, James O'Connor says he will relish the responsibility of playing five-eighth for the Wallabies.

I think it's a good thing they're selecting players on form and not on what they think they're going to do in future.

Despite starting just one previous Test at No.10, O'Connor has been nominated by coach Robbie Deans as his starting choice for the position, with Quade Cooper left out of the initial 25-man squad.

O'Connor was delighted to be handed the responsibility.

"Nothing's set in stone - it's still six weeks until the first Lions game. But I've played No.10 all my life so I'm pretty comfortable there if I get given the opportunity," he told reporters in Melbourne on Monday.

"If I can put on that gold jersey again, it's going to be massive.

"I missed last year through injury and there are a lot of good players playing this year who are in flying form.

"But if the opportunity comes, I'm going to take it with both hands."

O'Connor said the injury problems he suffered through last year, including hamstring troubles and a lacerated liver, had made him a better player as he had increased the thoroughness of his physical preparation.

He was diplomatic when asked if he was surprised good mate Cooper missed the squad.

"The reality is players don't select the team. It's up to the coaches - that's how it is," O'Connor said.

"I think Quade's been playing really well, he's been playing quite consistently for the Reds and I think his game's definitely improved."